Problems and Challenges on Urban Water Management in Darjeeling Hill Town

Abstract

Provision of basic services such as portable water and sanitation are vital for health and wellbeing of the society. The growing intensity of use of water in urban environment due to increasing urbanization and rapidly growing population has posed significant challenges for efficient water supply and conservation in many developing countries. Darjeeling town alike most of these developing countries struggle for the improved access of water for urban population. The urban dwellers in Darjeeling Town struggles for the improved access of water due to increasing urban population. The daily uncertainty and anxiety over the access to water has been a common sight to the people in urban Darjeeling hills. The rapidly growing urban population associated with the increasing demand for water has led to striking challenges in the management practice of water resources. Consequently, a huge imbalance has generated between the demand and supply of water in the town. The present study therefore attempts to explore the existing situation of water resources and discuss the issues and challenges around the management of water resources in the urban landscape of Darjeeling hills. The study revealed that the gradual introduction of developmental activities, faulty construction plans relating to water, political intrusion, poor governance system and lack of public awareness are some of the prominent factors for insufficient water supply and creating a situation of scarcity in Darjeeling.